NZ pricing set for Nintendo Wii U

Nintendo has released local pricing information for its new console as the games market gets ready to rumble ahead of the Christmas rush.

The company says the Wii U, and its tablet-like GamePad, will offer players more "choice and variety" for their gaming. The Wii U's Game Pad, a tablet-sized device that incorporates a touch screen, digital and analogue controls, and a camera, has been promised to change the way gamers play.

The basic pack will contain a white Wii U console with 8 gigabytes of internal storage, and a white GamePad. It has been suggested to retail for $470.

The $570 premium bundle will include a black Wii U console and GamePad, 32GB of internal memory, as well as a copy of Nintendo Land and other accessories. It also allows access to the Nintendo Network Premium service, which gives players points for purchases from the eShop.

Those points can be used in future purchases once a 500 point threshold has been passed.

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told a Los Angeles audience in June that the GamePad would be a game changer.

"It changes how you interact with your gaming friends, and it changes the way you enjoy your TV," he said.